Health Net Partners with Department of Defense to Customize Clinical Depression Program

Program focuses on individual needs of U.S. military service members and their families

RANCHO CORDOVA, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Health Net Federal Services, LLC, part of the Government Contracts segment of Health Net, Inc. (NYSE:HNT), today announced its Major Depression Disease Management Program established in partnership with the Department of Defense (DoD) for TRICARE beneficiaries, ages 18-64. TRICARE is the DoD’s health care plan for active duty and retired service members and their families.

“Health Net is proud to partner with the Department of Defense to respond to the behavioral health needs of our beneficiaries as the government continues to recognize and emphasize the importance of our military’s and their families behavioral health,” said Steve Tough, president of Health Net’s Government and Specialty division, which includes Health Net Federal Services.

Patients diagnosed with clinical depression are identified and enrolled in the program by the DoD based on medical history including diagnoses, hospitalizations, ongoing therapy and use of medication. Depression can impact a person’s mood, appetite, sleep, concentration and can lead to a loss of interest in activities and withdrawal from others. Severe depression can result in suicidal thoughts and attempts.

Health Net depression management specialists, including behavioral health professionals and specially trained registered nurses, personally reach out to each patient in the Major Depression Disease Management Program and, if accepted, develop a customized plan based on individual needs. The program helps to optimize services patients are receiving, such as enhancing communication with health care providers, as well as educating patients on the importance of keeping their appointments and taking prescribed medications regularly.

Additionally, Health Net teaches patients self-management skills to help better manage their symptoms. Establishing healthy routines and activities, such as planning family activities, re-engaging in enjoyable hobbies, eating right, exercising and developing healthy sleep habits are emphasized.

Health Net’s depression management specialists communicate with providers (with patient permission), including primary care physicians, psychiatrists and therapists, and provide updates regarding a patient’s progress to facilitate successful treatment.

About Health Net

Health Net Federal Services, LLC, a subsidiary of Health Net, Inc., has a long history of providing cost-effective, quality managed health care programs for government agencies, including the Departments of Defense and Veterans Affairs. As the managed care support contractor for the TRICARE North Region, Health Net provides health care services to nearly 3.0 million uniformed services beneficiaries, active and retired, and their families.

Health Net, Inc. is among the nation’s largest publicly traded managed health care companies. Its mission is to help people be healthy, secure and comfortable. The company’s health plans and government contracts subsidiaries provide health benefits to approximately 6.0 million individuals across the country through group, individual, Medicare, Medicaid and TRICARE and Veterans Affairs programs. The company’s behavioral health subsidiary, MHN, provides mental health benefits to approximately 5.4 million individuals in all 50 states. The company’s subsidiaries also offer managed health care products related to prescription drugs, and offer managed health care product coordination for multi-region employers and administrative services for medical groups and self-funded benefits programs.

For more information on Health Net, Inc., please visit the company’s website at www.healthnet.com. For more information on Health Net Federal Services, please visit http://www.healthnetfederalservices.com/ or on Facebook.



CONTACT:

Health Net, Inc.
Margita Thompson, 818-676-7912
[email protected]
or
Health Net Federal Services, LLC
Molly Tuttle, 916-351-5355
[email protected]

KEYWORDS:   United States  North America  California

INDUSTRY KEYWORDS:   Health  Mental Health  Professional Services  Insurance  Defense  Contracts  Other Defense  General Health  Managed Care

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